Camp Olivas, Pampanga—Government anti-narcotics agents busted Wednesday a well-entrenched Omar Drug Group following the arrest of its leader and 19 members during raids at Barangay Calapacuan, a bailiwick of illegal drugs trafficker situated in Subic, Zambales, top official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement 3 said yesterday.
PDEA3 regional director Gil Pabilona said operatives also crashed four drug dens being maintained by the ring. He said his men simultaneously raided the houses, on the strength of search warrant issued by different courts, occupied by illegal drugs personalities which led to their arrest.
A total of 60 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) with an estimated street value of not less than P500,000 was seized from different houses specifically situated at Purok 6-B Muslim area.
Baranag Calapacuan had been the target of illegal drugs operations by both the police and military due to reports that the gang is untouchable. A number of policemen have been killed during previous raids, police records showed.
In his report to PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, Pabilona identified some of the prominent personalities of Omar Drug Group arrested as Sarah L. Salaman, 36; Norissa S. Asandi,24; Ritchie S. Asandi, 34; Randany T. Tiamsing, 40; and Quezon S. Udjali, 24, all residents of said village.
“Prior to the implementation of three search warrants, joint elements of PDEA3, Zambales Provincial Intelligence Branch and SWAT-Regioanal Mobile Force Branch conducted a drug sting in the said area which signaled the simultaneous raids and arrest of other 15 drug personalities,” Pabilona said.
Out of 20 arrested persons, Pabilona said 13 drug of whom tested positive of methamphetamine substance.
The suspects were brought to PDEA3 Headquarters here for further investigation as violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act is being readied against them.
The suspects remained under the custody of PDEAs Jail Facility in Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando.